Interview with Julie Landrieu (Ghent Spotter)

Today an interview with Julie Landrieu Spotter for our Ghent cityblog.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I am a freelancer for several years now with different occupations. I write, take pictures, film and once in a while some film production. When I have some time left, I like to read or watch episodes of quality tv shows.

Why Ghent?
Why Ghent? I was born here, but grew up at the sea. Nevertheless when I moved to Ghent after graduation, I felt home after only two days. It is not a very big city, but it has all you need. Wherever I have lived, I had good french fries or bakeries around the corner and I could take a relaxing walk or run along the water. There are a lot of water streets in Ghent by the way.

A must do depends on what you like. My favourite spot stays the Or, with still the best cappuccino I have tasted. I also like to take people to Gravensteen, an old castle in the center with a genuine guillotine.

What shouldn’t I visit? Hmm, difficult, because I don’t think about that often. I do not think there is not much to not discover. Even after living here for several years in a city not that really big, I still discover new stuff. It is a neverending story.

What do you know about Ghent what no tourist will know?
Ha, why would I tell? No, something very peculiar are the city sheep of the Coupure site. There even is a black sheep in the midst. They are very cute, I hope they stay for a long time.

What is the most popular neighborhood to live in Ghent at this moment?
The most popular place is the centre of course and each corner has its own curiosities. New and upcoming is the rehabitation of the Veldstraat, our shopping street.

For years the floors above the shops were empty or with a different purpose, but now the city wants to revive the street with families housing the buildings. Terrible for parking, but great for shopping.

Can you describe a perfect day in your city?
A perfect day would be starting in the Or, with a good breakfast and fresh orange juice included.

After some walking around I would treat myself a pancake at Gwenola’s, hopefully for one day not so crowded so I can order. Otherwise I would see the need to buy my favourite marzipan moon chocolates at Van Hecke and return home to savour with my coffee.

And to finish the day I would go the Avonden or Au boeuf qui rit, depends on how much meat I would want to eat. They are pretty close to each other, so I can make the decision at the last moment.

Or turn around and go to Mosquitos. I am quite boring like that, I tend to go to the same places over and over again:)

Check out all Julie Landrieu’s articles and the other interviews with our Spotters.